Why Giving Animals as Gifts is a Terrible Idea (and Why Plants Are So Much Better)
Christmas is coming, and you know what that means: It's time for gift giving, but before you get all carried away thinking that a fluffy bunny or a snuggly kitten is the ultimate present, let’s take a step back. Animals as gifts? Big no-no.
Why? Because gifting a pet is actually really unethical. Sure, a puppy might be cute, but they come with a lifetime of responsibility, mess, and constant attention. Pets need food, walks, and vet visits. They require commitment that lasts far beyond the Christmas holiday season. So let’s skip the impulse pet adoption and think outside the gift box.
Don’t worry, though. There is a far better alternative, and it's one you can still feel warm and fuzzy about: plants.
Why Plants Are The Ultimate Christmas Gift
Plants are the perfect gift. They’re thoughtful, personal, and require far less maintenance than a pet. Here's why:
They don’t need feeding or walking. Unlike a dog or a cat, a plant only needs a little light, a touch of water, and some occasional encouragement (we’re talking about a little pep talk, not therapy). No endless walks or chewed shoes.
They’re lasting. Plants don’t grow out of fashion. They thrive and grow long after the Christmas lights are packed away. They’re gifts that keep giving.
You can propagate them! Yes, you can actually harvest parts of your plants to grow new ones. That's right, you can be a plant mad scientist. A little snip here, a little root there, and you’ve got yourself a whole new plant. And if you’re in the know, propagation is a fantastic way to gift someone a future green buddy. It’s sustainable, it’s creative, and let’s be honest, it’s a bit magical. Who wouldn’t love getting a cutting of a beautiful succulent or flowering plant?
Let’s Talk About Harvesting Plant Organs (Don’t Worry, It’s All Legal)
Okay, maybe “harvesting organs” sounds a bit extreme, but hear us out: propagating plants is where the magic happens. When you take a cutting from a plant and grow it into a new one, you’re essentially cloning it. You’re giving the gift of life—without the responsibility of caring for a pet. It’s like being a plant wizard, except no wands required. And it’s the gift that keeps on giving: you’ll have more plants, which means more presents, and hey, everyone loves a bonus!
The Best Part? No Poop Scooping, No Vet Visits
Remember the whole “pets are a terrible gift” thing? With plants, you’re off the hook. No cleaning up after them, no getting up at 6am to walk them in the rain, and no trips to the vet when they’re sick. You just water them, give them sunlight, and they’ll be happy. That’s it. They’ll keep growing, and in turn, you’ll get all the rewards of having a lush, green space without the chaos.
The Ironstone Shift: Growing for the Future
As we prepare for the exciting future ahead, we’re passionate about sharing the joys of plants with everyone. We’ll be busy growing stock and getting established, and we’re thrilled to offer you the opportunity to make plant gifts a part of your Christmas celebrations. Whether it’s a cutting to propagate, a stunning potted plant, or a carefully selected succulent, there’s something about gifting plants that feels extra meaningful.
So, skip the impulse pet purchase and opt for a plant that can grow with your friends and family. A plant is a gift that nurtures not just the environment but your relationships as well.
Let’s make this Christmas greener, one plant at a time. 🎄🌿
Happy plant gifting!